Five things to watch this week in high school football

Quarterback Tyler Page, left, doubles as the leading rusher for a Friendswood team that will try to upset unbeaten Clear Creek on Saturday.

Photo: Pin Lim, Freelance

1 Reagan gets shot at Lamar: During its first season in the state's highest classification, Reagan was no match for HISD powerhouse Lamar. The Bulldogs fell behind by 21 points in the first quarter and eventually lost by 42. This year probably will be different. Reagan (6-0, 3-0 District 20-6A) has handled all of its opponents and has its eyes set on winning a district championship. That cannot happen unless the Bulldogs defeat Lamar (5-1, 3-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Delmar. Lamar is the king of HISD. Reagan hopes to steal the crown.

2 Will Westfield bounce back?: There is no shame in losing to a team as strong as Klein Collins. But at Westfield, the standards are higher. The Mustangs expect to beat all of their elite opponents, just like they did with Manvel in the season opener. Westfield has another chance to do that this week when it takes on Klein Oak. Six players were suspended last week in the aftermath of an on-field brawl with Spring. Four of them will miss this week's game, too.

3 How good is Friendswood?: Much of the discussion about the District 24-6A title focuses on Clear Creek and Dickinson. Through the first half of district play, however, Friendswood (4-2, 3-0) is proving to be a contender as well. The Mustangs are coming off a big win over Clear Springs and now turn their attention to Clear Creek (6-0, 3-0). The Wildcats are one of the city's best, but Friendswood has elusive and speedy quarterback Tyler Page, who could make a difference in the outcome.

4 High-powered tilt on Highway 6: This is only the second meeting between Elkins and Ridge Point, but the fan bases already are embracing it as a full-fledged rivalry. The schools share an attendance border in Fort Bend ISD. Ridge Point won last year's game and went on to claim the outright District 23-5A title en route to reaching the third round of the playoffs. Elkins had to face George Ranch in the first round and was eliminated. With George Ranch looking just as strong this season, this week's game between Elkins and Ridge Point could have the same stakes for playoff positioning.

5 Big games coming for Stafford: Nestled between the north boundary of Missouri City and Beltway 8 is a small school with big dreams. Class 4A Stafford (6-0, 1-0 District 12-4A Division I) has made the playoffs in recent years. Thanks to a strong defense, it's hoping this is the year it wins two, three or even four games in the postseason. The Spartans already have defeated East Bernard and Bellville, and they held St. Pius X's high-powered offense to 10 points. This week, they face perennial power El Campo, which has six playoff wins in the last three seasons. Next week, undefeated Columbia is on tap.